O years, lost years! O tears, sad tears!
Years that have marked a wasted life,
Tears for the years of sin and strife;
Years that belonged to God alone,
Tears that I made, yes, all my own;
Lost years I never may recall,
Sad tears, when shall they cease to fall?

O years, lost years! O tears, sad tears!
Years, I have lived them all in vain,
Tears, can they ease my heart of pain?
Years that have brought no gathered sheaves,
Tears that I reaped but withered leaved;
Lost years, contem’d the Master’s will,
Sad tears, are flowing, flowing still.

O years, lost years! O tears, sad tears!
Year, vanished years, forever gone,
Tears, bitter tears, shall tears flow on?
Years blessed years may still be mine,
Tears they shall speak the Love Divine;
Lost years, my soul grieve not so sore,
Sad tears, ah, they shall flow no more.